Apple announced changes to its iPhone return policy, notably lowering the 30-day return period to 14 days, 9to5mac reported Wednesday.
According to the report, Apple's earlier policy allowed a 14-day return period for all Apple products, the iPhone being an exception. iPhone users who had purchased from an Apple retail or Apple online store were given 30 days.
"Apple's prior iPhone return policy was in stark contrast to its carrier partners who only offer a 14 day return window. During this time a customer may choose to return the iPhone to Apple within the 30 day period but if it was returned after day 14 they would still be on the hook for Early Termination Fees (ETF) or any other penalties from the wireless providers," the report said, explaining differences between the return policies of Apple and carriers.
It added that the previous policy was helpful for iPhone users who wanted to exchange the phone for another color or storage capacity without affecting their contract. However as the policy was causing confusion, changes were made to it. The changes made are already reflected on Apple's website, though they are set to take effect from March 13, 9to5mac said.
Quoting an Apple internal memo, it also said the changes were made to keep return policies uniform for all products and to match carriers' 14-day return policy.
Ubergizmo reported that under the new return policy, the wireless account is not automatically reset when the device is returned, placing the responsibility for the wireless service agreement and the fees associated with it on the user.
The changes were made in Apple Canada's return policy. Mobilesyrup said that the earlier 30-day return period for purchases made from a Canadian retail store has now been amended to 15 days, a day longer than what the amended policy allows in the U.S. The return period for iPhone purchase from Apple Canada online store has remained untouched at 14 days, it was reported.
